A Taste of Hanoi: Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops with Vermicelli

Imagine sitting at a small street-side cafe in Hanoi, the vibrant life of the city pulsing around you, and a plate of aromatic lemongrass pork chops in front of you. The smell alone is enough to transport you straight into the heart of Vietnam. Luckily, you don’t need to book a flight to experience this culinary delight. You can bring this delicious dish into your kitchen, creating a little Vietnamese haven right at your dinner table.

Today, I'll walk you through every step to make Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops with Vermicelli—a dish celebrated for its dynamic flavors and tender meat. It’s a perfect meal to introduce you to Vietnamese cooking, and it’s simpler than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Bursting with Flavor: The lemongrass and other spices give the pork a fresh, exciting zest that's uncommon in everyday cuisine.
  • Perfectly Balanced: A harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory makes this dish satisfyingly complex, yet incredibly comforting.
  • Easy to Prepare: Despite its exotic flair, this recipe is straightforward and great for beginners.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's make sure your kitchen is stocked with the necessary ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for grilling
  • 1 pound pork chops, thinly sliced
  • 200 grams vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh herbs (like cilantro, mint, Thai basil)
  • Sliced cucumber, lettuce, for garnish
  • Chopped peanuts and lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Marinade the Pork

Start by creating a marinade that will infuse the pork chops with all the exciting flavors of this dish:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, garlic, lemongrass, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
  2. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar has mostly dissolved.
  3. Add the pork chops to this marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for a more wonderful depth of flavor, leave it overnight.

Prepare the Vermicelli

While the pork marinates, you can prepare your vermicelli:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes.
  2. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further and sticking together.
  3. Set these aside while you cook the pork.

Cooking Your Pork Chops

It’s time to cook your marinated pork chops:

  1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add a little vegetable oil.
  2. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until nicely charred and cooked through.
  3. Remove from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

Serving Your Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops with Vermicelli

Now for the fun part – putting it all together:

  1. Arrange a portion of vermicelli noodles in a bowl.
  2. Top with sliced cucumbers, fresh herbs, and lettuce.
  3. Add your slices of grilled pork on top.
  4. Garnish with chopped peanuts, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

This combination of cool, crisp vegetables and warm, spicy pork is mouthwateringly good. Drizzle with a little extra soy sauce or fish sauce if you like it even more flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops with Vermicelli recipe brings not just a dish, but an experience. Whether you're a novice home cook or seasoned with a spatula, this recipe is bound to impress. It’s about embracing the adventure in cooking, exploring flavors beyond your usual, and maybe even discovering a new go-to meal for family dinners or special occasions.

So, grab your ingredients, and let's take your taste buds on a trip to Vietnam. Happy cooking!